Disney Axes Hundreds of Jobs as TV Division Shifts Focus to Streaming
Disney is undertaking a major overhaul of its television operations, shifting its focus from legacy linear brands to streaming audiences. The move will consolidate divisions and eliminate hundreds of jobs, with senior executives finalizing the plan by the end of the year.
The restructuring effort is led by Debra OConnell, Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television, who oversees numerous production studios and brands acquired from 21st Century Fox in 2019. These include ABC Entertainment, 20th Television, Hulu Originals, Disney Kids & Family, National Geographic Content, and Freeform.
Disney President and Chief Creative Officer Dana Walden stated that the company is 'centralizing as a television business, not a bunch of silos.' She emphasized the need to constantly evaluate its structure and organization size. This reorganization follows a previous round led by CEO Josh D'Amaro in March, who aims to operate Disney as a unified digital entertainment company.